tell me about simandhar swami

Simandhar Swami is a highly revered Tirthankara in Jainism, specifically recognized in the Jain tradition as a living Tirthankara currently residing in Mahavideh Kshetra. According to Jain cosmology, Mahavideh Kshetra is a special region in the universe where Tirthankaras are always present, preaching the path of liberation.

Key Points about Simandhar Swami:

• Current Tirthankara: Simandhar Swami is considered to be the 1st of the 20 Tirthankaras currently present in Mahavideh Kshetra.
• Spiritual Significance: Jains believe that while it is not possible to attain liberation (moksha) directly from Bharat Kshetra (our world) in the current time-cycle, one can attain very high spiritual progress and, upon rebirth in Mahavideh Kshetra, can listen to the teachings of Tirthankaras like Simandhar Swami and achieve liberation.
• Depiction: Simandhar Swami is depicted in Jain temples and is often worshipped by devotees seeking spiritual upliftment and the ultimate goal of moksha.
• Worship Practice: Many Jains, especially within certain sects, chant prayers (such as "Simandhar Swami na Namaskar" or "Simandhar Swami Stavan") and perform rituals to express devotion and seek blessings for spiritual progress.
• Role in Jain Cosmology: The belief in living Tirthankaras like Simandhar Swami highlights the Jain view of time as cyclical and the continuous existence of enlightened beings guiding souls toward liberation.

References in Jain Literature: Information about Simandhar Swami can be found in various Jain scriptures, especially in texts that describe Jain cosmology, like the "Samavayanga Sutra" and commentaries by Jain Acharyas.

Summary: Simandhar Swami is a currently living Tirthankara in Mahavideh Kshetra, revered by Jains as a source of guidance on the path to liberation. His worship is believed to help devotees make spiritual progress and, ultimately, attain moksha in the presence of a living Tirthankara.